EXO-CBX – ‘Hey Mama!’ Album Review

World superstars EXO is definitely one of the most popular groups right now. Having a huge fanbase not only in Korea but also in other parts of the world, EXO never fails to surprise the fans through their music. Last July, three members of EXO, Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin, sang a soundtrack for the drama, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Because of this, rumors began spreading that EXO will have a new sub-unit. Shortly after, SM Entertainment announced that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin will be part of a sub-unit named EXO-CBX. EXO-CBX released their debut album titled Hey Mama!, which is a variety of genres mixed with retro including R&B, EDM, funk, and pop. Get ready to party with a variety of fun flavors with Hey Mama!

Track 1 – The One

The One is a dance track with a funky beat and some synths that give off a retro feeling. EXO’s main vocal, Baekhyun, kicks off the track with a swag rap which surprised me. Also, the blending of their voices in this track is highly noticeable despite it being a dance track.

Track 2 – Hey Mama!

Hey Mama! is the title track of the album which reached number 1 on the iTunes charts in seven countries shortly after its release. The 70’s inspired track features a funky electric guitar and a bit of playful synths. Just like The One, this screams party as EXO-CBX says in this disco party track: “Every day is a party day”.

Track 3 – Rhythm After Summer

Rhythm After Summer is a funky EDM track with lounge synths. The verse sounds oddly comfortable because of the boys’ vocals. Rhythm After Summer then turns into a mid-tempo dance track when it reaches the chorus combined with some dreamy chimes, which is unusual but definitely works well together.

Track 4 – Juliet

Having a more chill feeling, Juliet, being a funky R&B mid-tempo track, still has that retro feeling but is now mixed with some lounge music. An orchestra comes in once in a while which adds to the mixture of different elements, making Juliet a beautiful abstract art.

Track 5 – Cherish

The album ends with a track fit for summer. The sad piano at the start got me thinking that they ended the album with a ballad, but then the upbeat synths enter and the track becomes a mid-tempo retro pop song. Cherish doesn’t have many elements unlike the previous tracks, but despite Cherish being simple, it gives off a carefree feeling which I really like.